This commitment brings Krafton’s total capital allocation in the country to over $500 million, excluding a separate $670 million growth fund managed alongside Naver and Mirae Asset. While the company initially established its Indian presence through the blockbuster success of Battlegrounds Mobile India, which has surpassed 260 million downloads, the firm is aggressively diversifying its portfolio. Since 2021, Krafton has backed approximately 18 startups, including Nodwin Gaming, Loco, and Kuku FM, shifting its focus from a pure-play publisher to a broad-based technology investor.
In section Startups & Technology
Krafton pledges $250 million to expand India footprint beyond gaming
South Korean gaming giant Krafton is doubling its financial commitment to India, earmarking an additional $250 million for local technology ventures. This fresh capital infusion, announced following a meeting between chairman Chang Byung-gyu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signals a strategic pivot toward artificial intelligence, robotics, and deep tech sectors.
The expansion comes despite a turbulent regulatory history. Following the 2020 ban of PUBG Mobile, Krafton navigated complex geopolitical tensions by localizing its servers and cutting ties with Tencent. Even after a subsequent ban and a trial-period reinstatement of BGMI, the company remains undeterred, with plans to launch BGMI Lite by the end of 2026. Beyond capital, Krafton is deepening its local roots through the acquisition of Pune-based Nautilus Mobile and the launch of the KIGI Academy, a specialized program designed to cultivate local game development talent.
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